Ed Cantu, Islander Alumnus, to Deliver Summer Commencement Address

Published: August 01, 2018

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – He’s known affectionately as “Mr. Islander.” He’s a constant fixture at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi events, from Homecoming to alumni meet and greets to Islanders sporting games. Now, Ed Cantu `81 will be able to check another box off his Islander bucket list as he delivers the commencement address to 535 graduating students at the summer 2018 commencement ceremony. The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at the American Bank Center, in downtown Corpus Christi.

“When I graduated back in 1981 from then Corpus Christi State University, I never thought I’d be asked to come back and give a commencement speech at my Alma Mater,” said Cantu. “I’m honored by the opportunity.”

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Cantu earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Island University and has owned Ed Cantu Insurance Agency and Financial Services, a top performing, award winning company, for 33 years. Cantu is immediate past president of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi National Alumni Association, immediate past-chairman of the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association, chair-elect of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Athletic Fund and serves on numerous local boards and committees.

In his commencement speech, Cantu will urge graduates to follow their dreams ­– no matter what challenges may come – and have confidence knowing their time at the Island University has prepared them to overcome any obstacle.

“I hope I inspire them to stay connected and give back,” said Cantu. “Also, to give thanks, not just to the people who got them across the stage, but for the people that will help them in their future careers – their colleagues, friends, family, and the Island University.”

Although Cantu has addressed a crowd this size in his former role as Islander Alumni Association President, he’s never given a commencement address.

“Of course, I’m a little nervous,” Cantu joked. “But the students probably won’t remember who gave the speech or even what I said. If they just remember how they felt on this important day, I’ll have done my job.”

For those who cannot attend the ceremony, it will be live streamed at http://www.tamucc.edu/. Make it a social occasion by using the hashtag #IslanderForever.